Post Overview: Things to do in the Bronx
If you’re looking for the best things to do in the Bronx, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve spent years exploring its neighborhoods and have come to the conclusion it’s New York City’s most underrated borough.
The culture in the Bronx runs deep and there are an abundance of hidden gems most folks will never learn about because they’ll never travel that far north.
But for those of us who know, who’ve spent time hitting the pavement and exploring we know there’s a ton of fun things to do in the Bronx. And I’m here to share some of that knowledge with you.
Regardless if you’re a New Yorker or just a visitor, there are things to do in the Bronx that are not only worth the subway ride but will keep you coming back again and again.
So yeah yeah, enough of the small talk. What do you say we get to all the best things to do in the Bronx?
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Things to do in The Bronx
#20. Visit the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
Built in 1836, the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum is a sight for sore eyes. It’s home to one of the country’s best examples of Greek-Revival archeticture and has been on a designated National Historic Landmark since 1978.
It’s the last remaining major estate from 19th century in Pelham Bay Park and has been home to a handful of notable figures. The mansion is famous for being Mayor Fiorello La Guardia’s summer home in 1936.
Visiting the museum is one of the best things to do in the Bronx since it offers an interesting glimpse into the past.
The most interesting item on display is Aaron Burr’s desk (any Hamilton fans?). It came to the museum’s possession after Burr married Theodosia Bartow, whose family owned the mansion.
I’ll be honest in saying it isn’t one of the most riveting museums in New York City, but it’s well worth consideration when looking for the best things to do in the Bronx. The garden area is quiet the lack of crowds offer a refreshing breath of fresh air.
Address: 895 Shore Rd, Bronx, NY 10464
#19. Visit the Woodlawn Cemetery
It might sound a little depressing to include visiting a cemetery on a list of the top things to do in The Bronx, but the historical haven is a must-see.
Opened in 1863, Woodlawn Cemetery covers over 460 acres of land and holds the remains of over 300,000 people.
The burial ground is often referred to as the “jazz cemetery” because so many significant jazz legends were buried there. You can go to their gravesites as well as memorials recognizing their accomplishments and music.
In 2011 Woodlawn Cemetery became a National Historic Landmark, which is just another reason as to why visiting is one of the best things to do in The Bronx. The cemetery hosts tours and events so make sure to check the calendar before swinging by.
It’s also worth the extra effort to visit during the fall time. The trees are ablaze with autumnal hues and it’s a sight to behold.
Notable residents buried at Woodlawn Cemetery:
- Celia Cruz
- Irving Berlin
- Sir Miles Davis
- Joseph Pulitzer
- J.C. Penny
Address: 4199 Webster Ave, Bronx, NY 10470
#18. Spend all day at the Bay Plaza Mall
When you have a lot of cooks in the kitchen and can’t decide what to do, one of the easiest things to do in The Bronx is to head to The Mall at Bay Plaza. It’s the largest shopping center in New York City full of shops, restaurants and even a movie theater.
With over 130 shops spread out on three floors to choose from, there is something for everyone at the Bay Plaza Mall.
The mall is massive and the bright interior helps the hours slip by as you bop from store to store. You can grab a quick bite to eat or plant yourself at a sit-down restaurant after a full day of shopping and enjoy one of the best things to do in The Bronx.
Address: 200 Baychester Ave, Bronx, NY 10475
#17. Stroll the impressive Hall of Fame at the Bronx Community College
The designer behind the Washington Square Arch in Washington Square Park, Stanford White, is also responsible for one of the best things to do in the Bronx.
The Hall of Fame for Great Americans can be found at the Bronx Community College and is quite the unique experience. It was originally built to hide a retaining wall but later became a focal point for American pride (USA!).
The hall is 630 feet long and has 102 busts. The inductees must be American citizens and must have died 25 years before they were nominated, at which point a board of electors vote and induct.
Among the most famous Americans commemorated you’ll find Alexander Hamilton, Mark Twain, Susan B. Anthony and George Washington. Stopping by to pay your respects or a selfie is one of the best things to do in the Bronx.
As of July 2023 the Hall of Great Americans is closed due to renovations at the neighboring Gould Memorial Library. I’ll keep an eye on it and update this post when it reopens.
Address: University Ave & W 181st St, Bronx, NY 10453
#16. Explore the Bronx Museum of the Arts
One of the most exciting things to do in The Bronx is the pay a visit to the The Bronx Museum of the Arts. The best part? Admission is completely free!
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday at no cost — simply walk in and explore your heart away.
The museum was established in 1971 to serve the diverse local communities and spark an interest in art. Through a wide range of art exhibits and events, the Bronx Museum of the Arts, a modern art institution, aims to capture the spirit of the borough’s thriving community.
The reason we consider visiting one of the best things to do in The Bronx is because the museum is underrated. Meaning the crowds here are no where near the same size as The MET or MoMA. This makes exploring that much more enjoyable when you’re not elbowing strangers trying to get a good look at the art.
Furthermore, this is one of the best free things to do in The Bronx if you’re traveling on a budget and still want to experience a true NYC activity.
Address: 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10456
#15. Visit the cottage of Edgar Allan Poe
If you’re looking for unique things to do in The Bronx, might I suggest visiting Edgar Allan Poe’s cottage. The cottage was the last home of the famous American writer where he wrote some of his most famous works.
Poe moved into the house in 1844 with his wife Virigina, who was ill at the time. He had hoped that the fresh country air could cure her. Unfortunately three years later she ended up passing in the cottage (in a room you can see during the tour).
After Poe’s passing in 1849 the cottage was set to be demolished, however the people of New York were not about to let that happen. They demanded the place be preserved and their outcry was met.
In 1913 the cottage was moved a few blocks over and became a NYC landmark. The rooms were restored and furnished to its 1840’s form, exactly how Poe lived in it.
Today folks can take a tour of the property for $5 and enjoy one of the most interesting things to do in The Bronx.
Address: 2640 Grand Concourse The Bronx, NY 10458
#14. The Bronx Brewery
The Bronx Brewery can be used as the poster-child for the best breweries in New York City. Their mission statement makes it clear that they strive to use beer as a means to build community. That’s why stopping by to have a drink is considered one of the best things to do in The Bronx.
The brewery currently has two locations. The South Bronx location partnered with a food vendor called Empanology. This unique Bronx-born restaurant serves traditional Puerto Rican fare with a modern twist.
The East Village location partnered with the food vendor Bastard Burger, a burger joint hailing from Sweden. I probably don’t have to remind you that burgers and beer are a match made in heaven. Thankfully you can have access to both at The Bronx Brewery.
P.S. You have to try the City Island Sour during your visit. Back by popular demand, this beer was supposed to be a seasonal offering originally, but the cries of the people ensured it a spot on the menu year-round. Make sure to order it while you’re out enjoying one of the best things to do in The Bronx.
Address: 856 E 136th St, The Bronx, NY 10454
#13. Grab a late brunch at Rosa’s At Park
There are few better ways to spend your weekends in The Bronx than by swinging by Rosa’s At Park for an all day brunch.
For $30 a person (Friday through Sunday) folks can partake in 90 minutes of bottomless fun. With the choice of unlimited mimosas, sangria or screwdrivers you’re bound to have a good time when enjoying one of the best things to do in The Bronx.
The nice thing about an all day brunch is that there’s no need for alarms. On Fridays brunch starts at 3:00 and goes until 9:00 pm. And on the weekends brunch starts at 11:00 am and goes until 8:30 pm.
The whole vibe of Rosa’s At Park is electric. There are green velvet booths, neon signs and a rooftop area covered in pink umbrellas. The atmosphere is chaotic in the best way. Reserving a table here is one of the best things to do in The Bronx for folks looking to have a good time.
Address: 2568 Park Ave, Bronx NY
#12. Devour fresh bagels from Empire Bagels
We can’t talk about the best things to do in The Bronx and not mention a spot to grab bagels! Served out of a window in the wall Empire Bagels has been a neighborhood favorite for quite some time now.
Lines are to be expected since word got out that Empire Bagels offers some of the freshest bagels in the area. The golden exterior paired with the chewy interior creates a perfect bite every time.
What’s more, the bagels are reasonably priced at $1.25 a pop, which is a bargain given their high quality. Between the epic spread of schemers, fresh bagels and other baked goods, you know you’re in for a treat at this bagel window.
The joint is open seven days a week from 5 AM to 12 PM so if you want to take part in one of the tastiest things to do in The Bronx, set an early alarm and run!
Address: 3101 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY 10461
#11. Peruse the Bronx Night Market
Exploring a night market is one of the best things to do in New York City, period. The amount of food, drinks, art and live performances right at your fingertips under the same roof? Insane!
Everyone has heard of bar hopping, but have you ever heard of vendor hopping? That’s exactly where you can find me whenever The Bronx Night Market is up and running. This is one of the best things to do in The Bronx at night if you’re into trying a little bit of everything.
Enjoy authentic savory food or chilled sweet treats, catch whatever live performance is happening and soak in the the beauty that is night time in NYC.
Address: 1 Fordham Plaza, Bronx, NY 10458
#10. Van Cortlandt Park
If you take the 1 train all the way to the last stop you’ll find yourself at Van Cortlandt Park, one of the best parks to relax in if you’re looking for fun things to do in The Bronx.
The area surrounding Van Cortlandt Lake is especially memorable. My favorite path to take is the Putnam trail from the south end of the lake until I reach the Putnam Bridge.
From there take the John Kieran trail back down along the waters edge until I’m back at my staring point.
This barely scratches the surface of the park’s 1100+ acres, but during the fall time it satiates my need for colorful foliage in New York City.
And since it’s far above the city, Van Cortlandt Park is a nice reprieve from the crowds that frequent the more easily accessible parks. This is one of the more peaceful things to do in The Bronx (no matter the time of year) but specifically in fall.
Fun Fact: The oldest house in the Bronx is in Van Cortlandt Park, which has been up since 1749. It housed both British and American troops during the Revolutionary War. It is now a museum open to the public.
Address: Broadway and Van Cortlandt Park S, Bronx, NY 10471
#9. Check out the Universal Hip Hop Museum
The borough didn’t get the nickname, “boogie down Bronx” for nothing.
Although it’s not open yet, the Universal Hip Hop Museum should be on the radar of anyone looking for the best things to do in the Bronx. From its origins in and around the Bronx in the 1970’s to its full global-reach, Hip Hop has come along way.
The museum will boast an impressive 52,000 square full of memorabilia to help tell the story of the genre. From the instruments used, to the genre’s most significant heroes the museum will be a must-stop for any music fan.
There will also be interactive exhibits, music education for children and an auditorium for events and performances. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see a few Hip-Hop legends pop in every once in a while, but that’s just a guess. 😉
The museum’s four year construction is slated to be completed sometime in 2024, when it will officially be one of the best things to do in the Bronx.
Address: 610 Exterior Street, Bronx, NY 10451
#8. Relax at Orchard Beach
For those looking for some reprieve from all the skyscrapers and buildings, hop on the nearest subway and make way to Orchard Beach.
It’s the only public beach in the borough and unwinding for the day is one of the best things to do in The Bronx.
Even if you don’t plan on getting your hair wet just laying out in the sun near the water is worth the trip alone. There is a promenade waiting to be explored full of restaurants and shops to pop into.
During the warmer months expect to find families sprawled out on picnic blankets and beach chairs and children running around building sandcastles.
It’s easy to plan a whole family-day when visiting Orchard Beach. In fact it’s one of the best things to do in The Bronx with kids if you’re trying to burn off some energy.
#7. Visit the stunning Wave Hill Gardens
It’s hard to believe that a stunning place like Wave Hill Gardens even exists in New York City. But it does and visiting is one of the best things to do in The Bronx.
Wave Hill Garden is an 28-acre estate perched on a cliff overlooking the magnificent Hudson River. Consisting of gorgeous gardens, lovely trails and a Cultural Center there are plenty activities to take part in.
The property contains over 4,000 varieties of plants and offers tours of the thriving greenhouses. You can pack a lunch and plan a picnic overlooking the Hudson. Tickets are $10 for adults and $4 for children, but I’ll let you in on a little secret.
Admission is free on Thursdays! Which makes visiting the gardens is one of the best free things to do in The Bronx.
Address: 4900 Independence Ave, Bronx, NY 10471
#6. Explore Arthur Avenue
Little Italy in Manhattan is one of New York City’s prime attractions, but it’s not the only Little Italy. There’s another, more insulated Little Italy further up north that provides one of the most unique things to do in The Bronx.
Referred to as Belmont, the Little Italy of the Bronx and Arthur Avenue it’s surprisingly a well kept secret.
Shockingly it’s bigger than Manhattan’s Little Italy, having more Italian restaurants, cafes and stores. Italian restaurants across NYC also make the trek in search of authentic, fresh ingredients (like a divine Italian sausage).
When visiting set your GPS for the Arthur Avenue Retail Market, a store that will make you think you’re in the old-country. After that swing by Zero Otto Novo for a meal that will make you unbutton your pants. When you’re done stop by Gino’s Pastry Shop and pick up some cannolis for the road.
Visiting Arthur Avenue is one of the most unique things to do in The Bronx and something every New Yorker should do at least once. You can make it a pit-stop when you’re visiting the New York Botanical Garden or the Bronx Zoo.
#5. Gun Hill Brewing Company
Gun Hill Brewing Company opened in 2014, becoming the first brewery in the Bronx in over 50 years. Named after a hill in the Bronx where colonists dragged up a canon and fired on the British during the Revolutionary War, it’s safe to say the founders are passionate about their home borough.
The brewery gained national attention in 2016 when it released “Rise Up Rye”, a beer made in conjunction with the hit Broadway musical Hamilton. Together Hamilton & Gun Hill Brewing Co. donated a portion of the sales to charity. It’s still available.
Gun Hill makes other (patriotic) beers that have kept their loyal customer base growing. Among them, Spirit 76 is a popular pilsner that makes for easy drinking. Even better, the brew is made with New York grown malts.
And for those that prefer dark beer, Void of Light has medaled three times for best stout at the Great American Beer Festival, most recently winning silver in 2020.
This New York City microbrewery is housed in a spacious industrial warehouse that opens its doors to the public rain or shine. The taproom is relaxed, with board games available and the occasional live performer. Spending the evening with a beer in hand is one of the best things to do in The Bronx.
Gun Hill Brewing doesn’t offer much when it comes to food, the menu items are more snacks than meals. The one item that does stick out though are the empanadas, they have no business being as tasty as they are.
Address: 3227 Laconia Ave, The Bronx, NY 10469
#4. Go to a Yankee’s game
Grab your ball caps boys (and gals, or course!), we’re about to embark on a New York City summer activity locals can’t live without. With a record 27 World Series wins, the New York Yankees are always an exciting watch.
Whether you love them or hate them, the New York Yankees are icons of both American sports as well as NYC. Making it to one of their games should be high on your list of fun things to do in The Bronx.
Located in the Bronx, Yankee Stadium is accessible by subway and tickets can be found for as little as $10 depending on the game. With a whopping 162 games played every season, there’s a plethora of both weekday and weekend games to choose from.
This year the Yankees are one of the best teams in Major League Baseball, meaning every team they play against is hoping to bring them down. The intensity of every game will have the crowd fully engaged making this one of the most memorable things you can do in The Bronx.
Address: 1 E 161 St, Bronx, NY 10451
#3. Explore the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG)
Home to more than one million living plants, the New York Botanical Garden is a sight to be seen and is among the top non-negotiable things to do in The Bronx.
The stunning garden is located within Bronx Park on a 250 plot of land, giving ample space for it to spread its roots (pun-intended). NYBG is constantly hosting a plethora of events and activities and is a great place to run wild with the family.
Of course visiting year-round leaves little room for disappointment but if you really want to be mesmerized I suggest visiting in the fall. During peak fall color the New York Botanical Garden takes on a fairy-tale appearance. Between the prolific maples and breathtaking oak trees, you won’t know which way to look.
New York Botanical Garden boasts some of the best fall foliage in New York City and they offer tours during the autumn so you can see for yourself. Visiting the garden is one of the greatest things to do in The Bronx, consider it a can’t-miss!
Address: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458
#2. Bonus: Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Within the New York Botanical Garden you’ll find one of the best things to do in the Bronx with kids, visit the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden.
Little ones will be able to burn off some steam climbing boulders, run through a maze and enjoy educational experiments. Visiting is one of the best things to do in the Bronx with kids!
The garden is open year-round so whenever you start feeling a little too cooped up in your New York apartment a visit to the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden is a good idea.
#1. Spend the day at the Bronx Zoo
For anyone visiting with kiddos, one of the best things to do in The Bronx is to spend the day at The Bronx Zoo. Clocking in at 256 acres, The Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the country. Reason alone to visit!
Between the plethora of exhibits, events and experiences there’s no shortage of exciting things to do when visiting the zoo. Tickets fro adults are currently $37.95 and $28.75 for kids. But I’m going to let you in on a little secret!
On Wednesdays the zoo offers discounted tickets, all you have to do is book them in advance online. Tickets for Wednesday go live the Monday before, try to reserve yours here. Tickets get you admission to the entire park but there may be an additional fee for specific attractions at the zoo.
While you’re at the zoo one of the best things to do in The Bronx is to take a ride on the Wild Asia Monorail.
The Wild Asia Monorail is a seasonal attraction that covers about two miles of the zoo from up above. The monorail works from May through October, and the best part? It’s included with the standard Bronx Zoo Admission ticket or an additional $7 if you have the limited admission ticket.
Visitors can expect to see Asian wildlife like elephants and red pandas. And you get a glimpse into the animals own space without the separation of a walls, glass or bars.
Address: 2300 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, NY 10460
Quick recap of the best things to do in The Bronx NYC
- Spend the day at The Bronx Zoo
- Explore the New York Botanical Garden
- Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
- Go to a Yankee’s Game
- Have a beer at Gun Hill Brewery
- Explore Arthur Avenue
- Spend the day at Wave Hill
- Relax at Orchard Beach
- Peruse the Hip Hop Museum
- Picnic in Van Courtland Park
- Eat your way through The Bronx Night Market
- Devour a bagel at Empire Bagels
- Grab a late brunch at Rosa’s
- Cheers at The Bronx Brewery
- Visit the cottage of Edgar Allen Poe
- Get lost in The Bronx Museum of Arts
- Stroll the impressive Hall of Fame at Bronx Community College
- Spend all day at the Bay Plaza Mall
- Visit the Woodlawn Cemetery
- Check out the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
Things to do Bronx (Helpful Map)
As always, don’t hesitate to let us know if we missed anything. Cheers!
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